List of all 17 National Symbols Of India

India showcases its cultural uniqueness through its national symbols. These symbols represent the rich culture and heritage of India, reflecting the diversity and unity of the country. They hold great importance for competitive exam aspirants, whether for UPSC, banking, or SSC. There are 17 national symbols of India, each representing the country’s values, pride, and history. These symbols are a proud part of India’s identity and are essential for students to learn when preparing for exams.

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National Symbols of India

India’s national symbols, including the national flag, emblem, bird, animal, anthem, flower, and tree, represent the country’s rich culture, values, and identity. Each symbol carries great significance and reflects India’s diverse heritage.

In this article, we will explore the history, meaning, and relevance of these symbols in today’s India, highlighting their importance in shaping the country’s identity and unity.

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What are the 17 national symbols of India?

From the national flag and emblem to the national bird, animal, and flower, each symbol holds deep meaning and represents India’s uniqueness, culture, and values.

These national symbols are a source of pride and nationalism for the people of India and are recognized worldwide.

Here is a list of the 17 national symbols of India, which will help candidates easily understand their significance and relevance for exams.

List of National Symbols of India

Our national symbols of India reflect the rich culture and traditions of the country. For example, the Lotus, one of the national symbols, represents purity of heart, mind, and spirituality.

The Peacock, which is the National Bird, is admired for its ethereal beauty and regal grace. Both symbols embody the core values of India, showcasing its heritage and significance on the global stage.

National Emblem

• The National Emblem of India was adopted on January 26, 1950, by Madhav Sawhney.

• It is based on the Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath.

• The emblem features four Asiatic lions standing back-to-back, symbolizing courage, power, pride, and confidence.

• At the base of the emblem is the Dharma Chakra (Wheel of Law), which includes carvings of an elephant, a horse, and a bull.

• The Ashoka Chakra has 24 spokes, representing the 24 hours of the day and the 12 months of the year.

• The bull and the horse beside the Ashoka Chakra symbolize India’s agricultural wealth and industrial strength.

• The national emblem is also featured on Indian currency notes and coins.

National Flag

• The Indian National Flag, also known as Tiranga, represents the country’s identity and pride.

• Tiranga consists of three colors:
  • Saffron (Kesari) is at the top, symbolizing strength.
  • White in the middle, represents peace and truth.
  • Green at the bottom, signifying fertility and growth.

• The flag features three horizontal stripes of equal width: saffron on top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom.

• In the center of the white stripe is the Ashoka Chakra, a navy blue wheel representing the “eternal wheel of law” and symbolizing dharma (righteousness).

• The flag’s dimensions are rectangular, with a ratio of 2:3.

• The flag’s manufacturing and hoisting are regulated by the Flag Code of India, ensuring its respect and proper usage.

National Calendar

• Saka Calendar is the National Calendar of India, adopted on March 22, 1957.

• It represents India’s historical heritage and symbolizes the ‘golden era’ of the country.

• The calendar is lunar, based on the cycles of the moon, with 12 months starting on the day of the new moon.

• The Saka Calendar is primarily used by the Indian government for official purposes, including defining public holidays and religious festivals.

• It is also used for agricultural and astrological activities in India.

• The months in the Saka Calendar are named after the zodiac signs, with Chaitra as the first month and Phalguna as the last.

• The adoption of the Saka Calendar showcases India’s commitment to cultural heritage and its traditional values.

• The calendar plays a significant role in the national identity of India and in the daily lives of millions of its citizens.

National Flower

• Lotus is the National Flower of India, deeply rooted in Indian culture and spirituality.

• It symbolizes fruitfulness, knowledge, wealth, illumination, and spirituality.

• The lotus plays an important role in religious ceremonies and festivals across India.

• It is frequently featured in art, literature, and architecture, representing the nation’s identity and heritage.

• The scientific name of the lotus is Nelumbo nucifera, belonging to the family Nelumbonaceae.

• In Indian culture, the lotus symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth.

• The lotus is also an important symbol in Buddhism, representing illumination and the path to spiritual awakening.

• Beyond India, the lotus is also the national flower of Vietnam and the provincial flower of Jiangsu Province in China.

National Anthem

• “Jana Gana Mana” is the National Anthem of India, composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.

• It was adopted in its Hindi version by the Constituent Assembly on January 24, 1950, following India’s independence.

• The national anthem is played during cultural events, school assemblies, and government ceremonies.

• It is played before the start of movies in cinema halls when the national flag is hoisted.

• The anthem serves as a symbol of national pride, and unity, and represents India’s cultural heritage and history.

• Written in Bengali, the anthem is sung in a unique 10/4 time signature, making it challenging to perform.

National Game

• Hockey is the National Game of India.

• The Indian national hockey team won six consecutive Olympic gold medals between 1928 and 1956.

• India played 24 Olympic matches, winning every match when it was made the national game.

• The Indian men’s team has won eight Olympic gold medals and one World Cup, securing its strong international status.

• The Indian men’s field hockey team is currently ranked third in the world, behind Belgium and Australia, while the women’s team is ranked ninth.

• India has also been successful in women’s field hockey, winning the Asian Games in 1982, 1999, and 2004.

• Hockey has played a crucial role in encouraging national unity and pride, showcasing India’s sporting talent worldwide.

• Dhyan Chand, known as India’s most famous hockey player, is regarded as one of the greatest hockey players of all time.

National Fruit

• India is the major consumer and exporter of mangoes.

• Mangoes are primarily cultivated in tropical areas and belong to the Mangifera indica species.

• The fruit is known for its delightful flavor and aroma, making it a popular ingredient in many Indian dishes and desserts.

• Mangoes are also an important symbol of Indian culture, celebrated in festivals and ceremonies nationwide, including the Mango Festival in Delhi.

• Mangoes have been referenced in Indian literature and mythology for centuries, often associated with love and fertility.

• The Alphonso mango, known for its sweet and juicy flavor, is one of the most popular varieties and is often called the “king of mangoes.”

• India is the world’s largest manufacturer of mangoes, producing over 40% of the world’s total mango supply.

National Aquatic Animal

• The Ganges River Dolphin is the National Aquatic Animal of India, chosen for its cultural significance and to protect its declining population.

• These dolphins hold a sacred status in Indian culture and are considered an important symbol by many communities.

• The Gangetic river dolphin has been severely impacted by pollution and other threats, leading to a sharp decline in their numbers.

• Government efforts have included banning fishing in certain areas and establishing sanctuaries to help protect the species.

• The dolphins have a greyish-brown color and grow to an average length of about 2.5 meters (8 feet).

• Gangetic river dolphins are blind and use echolocation to navigate and locate prey in their murky river habitats.

• The Gangetic river dolphin is one of only four species of river dolphins in the world and is found in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

National Vegetable

• The National Vegetable of India is the pumpkin, known for requiring fewer resources and growing well across the country.

• Pumpkins have been used in Ayurvedic medicine since ancient times and continue to be a staple in Indian households.

• In India, pumpkins are called different names depending on the region, such as “kaddu” in Hindi, “poosanikai” in Tamil, and “kumbalanga” in Malayalam.

• Pumpkin plays a significant role in Indian festivals like Diwali and Navratri, where it’s used to prepare traditional sweets like pumpkin halwa and pumpkin kheer.

• The pumpkin is celebrated as the national vegetable of India, representing its importance in Indian culture and agriculture.

• India is one of the largest producers of pumpkins globally, with states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal being key growing regions.

National Tree

• The Banyan Tree (Ficus bengalensis) is India’s national tree, known for its vast spread, large roots, and long lifespan.

• The Banyan Tree is deeply embedded in Indian mythology and spirituality, symbolizing strength, resilience, and permanency.

• It offers shade and shelter for both people and animals, helps in soil erosion control, and provides habitats for various birds and wildlife.

• Banyan Trees can live for centuries, with the oldest known tree in India being over 250 years old, located in Kolkata.

• The Banyan Tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and can be found throughout the country.

• In Ayurvedic medicine, various parts of the banyan tree are used to treat digestive, respiratory, and skin ailments.

National Song

• “Vande Mataram” is India’s national song, written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee for his book “Anand Math” in Bengali.

• The song holds great national significance and is sung on important occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day.

• It became a rallying cry for the Indian independence movement, often sung during political rallies and protests.

• “Vande Mataram” was first written in 1876 and published in “Anandmath”.

• The song has been featured in numerous Indian films and remains a popular patriotic song.

• In 2005, the Indian government clarified that singing “Vande Mataram” is not mandatory, but is encouraged to show respect for the country.

National Heritage Animal

• The Indian Elephant is India’s National Heritage Animal, chosen to protect them from extinction.

• Elephants are a symbol of royalty and play a key role in India’s biodiversity as a keystone species.

• They have a rich cultural and spiritual significance in India and are considered sacred in many regions.

• Elephants live in herds led by a matriarch, often consisting of 20 or more elephants.

• The species is endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict.

• Herbivores, Indian elephants consume about 300-400 pounds of vegetation daily.

• Elephants have a long lifespan, living around 60-70 years in the wild, one of the longest in mammals.

Oath of Allegiance

• The National Pledge of India is a declaration of unity, peace, and brotherhood.

• It is a commitment to the ideals of the Indian Constitution, including secularism, democracy, unity, and national integration.

• The Pledge was introduced in 1962 and is a key symbol of national unity and patriotism.

• Schoolchildren recite the Pledge, learning to embrace patriotism and national pride from a young age.

• Originally written in English, it has been translated into various regional languages for broader accessibility.

• The Pledge is not legally binding, but it represents a strong symbol of national unity and patriotism.

National Bird

• The Indian Peacock is India’s National Bird, symbolizing monarchy and divinity.

• It has a long history in Indian mythology, folklore, and art, representing sacred values in many Indian religions.

• The peacock’s presence can be seen in ancient sculptures, modern paintings, and throughout Indian culture as an iconic symbol.

• Ecologically, the peacock plays a role in maintaining nature’s balance by preying on insects and small animals.

• The male peacock is famous for its long, colorful tail feathers, which can grow up to 6 feet in length.

• The peacock is also the state bird of Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh in India.

National Animal

• The Royal Bengal Tiger is India’s National Animal, adopted for its symbolism of bravery and because it is an endangered species.

• With its orange coat and black stripes, the Bengal Tiger represents India’s rich biodiversity and serves as a source of national pride.

• The Bengal Tiger holds deep significance in Indian culture and folklore and is considered a sacred animal in many Indian religions.

• The scientific name of the Bengal Tiger is Panthera tigris, making it one of the world’s largest wild cats.

• Only around 2,500 Bengal Tigers remain in the wild, making them a threatened species.

• The Bengal Tiger is culturally linked with Hindu goddess Durga and Lord Shiva.

• Tigers are solitary animals, with adult males maintaining territories of up to 60 square miles.

National Currency

• The Indian National Rupee (INR) is India’s official national currency and plays a key role in the global economy.

• India has used a variety of currencies throughout history, including copper, silver, and gold coins, as well as paper money issued by colonial powers.

• The Indian rupee is now widely used in India and is also legal tender in neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Zimbabwe.

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the official institution responsible for issuing the Indian currency.

• All Indian currency notes feature the portrait of Mahatma Gandhi, except for the one-rupee note, which displays the Indian rupee symbol.

• To combat counterfeiting, the Indian government introduced new security features in 2018, with a new series of currency notes.

National River

• Ganga was declared the National River of India in 2008 to support the objectives of the ‘Ganga Action Plan’ for its preservation and protection.

• The Ganga River holds deep cultural and religious significance for the Indian people, often worshipped as a goddess by Hindus.

• It is a key pilgrimage site for millions of Hindus who visit annually to participate in sacred ceremonies and rituals.

• The river is central to many environmental and conservation projects, with its protection being a priority for the Indian government.

• Ganga is India’s longest river, stretching over 2,525 kilometers, from its source in the Himalayas to its delta in the Bay of Bengal.

Final Thoughts

India’s national symbols—such as the national anthem, song, animal, bird, and flower—embody the country’s diverse and rich history, culture, and natural heritage. These symbols inspire a deep sense of pride, unity, and loyalty among Indians. Representing the nation’s unique flora and fauna, they celebrate India’s biodiversity and cultural legacy.

Understanding these symbols is essential for anyone seeking to gain insight into the country’s identity or preparing for competitive exams. For more general knowledge content and exam preparation tips, follow our official Facebook and Instagram pages.

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